Pay Attention to This! Distracted Driving in Ontario

Most Ontario drivers are now well aware of the fact that it is illegal to use hand-held devices will driving. Since October 26, 2009, this new law has been in force. The “cell phone while driving ban” was introduced through Bill 118, which amended Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act. The amendment prohibits drivers from using hand-held wireless communication devices (such as cell phones and Blackberries) and hand-held entertainment devices (such as iPods or PlayStation Portables) while driving. The amendment also prohibits display screens in vehicles, such as DVD or MP3 players and laptop computers, but only if they are visible to the driver and are unrelated to the driving task.

Indeed, the idea behind the “using a cell phone while driving ban” was to reduce potentially deadly traffic accidents in a fast-moving environment where multi-tasking can be dangerous. Studies conducted prior to the amendments, including one by the Ontario Medical Association, indicated that the use of cell phones while driving dramatically increased the risk of accidents. There is no question that technology has made multi-tasking in our lives far more easier and convenient. However, in the context of driving, unnecessary multitasking should always be avoided. Driving requires your full attention. It only takes a split second for a dangerous situation to arise, and reaction time alone takes split seconds to negotiate through the danger. Stay alert, stay focused, and arrive alive.

For more information on this topic see the full article.

Nigel Gilby is a Partner at Lerners LLP. He has been recognized by LEXPERT and the Law Society of Upper Canada as a specialist in Civil Litigation. Nigel has been selected by his peers to appear in the “Best Lawyers in Canada” publication since its inception. See his professional biography for more information about Nigel and his work in the area of personal injury law or contact him at 519-672-4510 or by e-mail at ngilby@lerners.ca.

Christopher Dawson is an Associate lawyer at Lerners LLP. See his professional biography for more information about Christopher and his work in the area of personal injury law or contact him at 519-672-4510 or by email at cdawson@lerners.ca.

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